RESEARCH SCIENTIST - Planet Formation Modeler - Boulder, Colorado at Southwest Research Institute

Who We Are:

As a recognized leader in space science research and spacecraft instrumentation, avionics, and electronics, we are helping to reveal the secrets of our solar system and the universe.

Objectives of this Role:

• Conduct analytical or numerical modeling and model analysis studies of problems in solar system dynamics and collisional physics with relevance to planet formation studies.
• Conduct observational data analysis that supports model validation.
• Incorporate additional physical schemes into numerical models.
• Develop and grow an independent research program through external program support.
• Participate in mission and/or instrument proposals to support the strategic growth of the Department.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Independently develop and implement hypotheses-driven numerical model and data analysis activities.
• Configure, initialize, run, and analyze solar system collisional and/or dynamical evolution models to test hypotheses.
• Maintain and grow a research program in solar system dynamics and/or collisional physics through external funding.
• Actively seek and apply for external support of research activities.
• Participate and contribute to group meetings for the “Center of Lunar Origin and Evolution”.

Requirements:

• Requires a PhD- in Planetary Science, Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, Geophysics or related field.
• 2 years: Post-Ph.D. Experience in the dynamics, numerical simulation, analytics, or data analysis of planetary systems.
• Expertise in programming and numerical modeling is required.
• Ability to debug code, test code, and implement new physics is helpful.